Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Where the Views Take Your Breath Away and Time Stands Still for a Moment

We arrived right before noon to see what looked like an over-cast sky and overcrowded dirt parking lots. Don't let that deter you! Take advantage of the most thrilling views of our Pacific Ocean and get to know the historical sites of San Diego. Bring your sweater or jacket, it can get pretty windy and there is nothing worse than a cool breeze hindering your experience. You can bring a sack lunch or have a romantic picnic, you don't have to buy the cafe food and there is plenty of seating and space to invite your friends or plan a date!

Did you know that Torrey Pines Gliderport is a National Landmark of Soaring?!?!?

Hitting the list at #315 for San Diego Historical Sites, a Model Aviation Landmark (#1 in the Nation), and listed on the California Register of Historic Places! Gliderport is considered by glider enthusiasts to be the "Kitty Hawk of the West".

Tag lining their website, "America's most popular coastal soaring site" once you visit you will understand why. The Luxe Gen is also bringing you pictures of our personal experience in June 2013. The spectacular ocean views and the thought of ascending off the side of the mountain high above the ocean blue is intriguing...yet frightening. Scared to death of heights its going to take another trip to convince me to try my luck at para sailing.

Calling all Daredevils, Adventurists, Risk-Takers and Show-Offs this is Your Perfect Destination!

The building walls lined with memories and history

Gliderport Training Station

Busy Day for Aviation at Gliderport

A soaring site established in 1928, Torrey Pines Gliderport is the home to hang gliding, paragliding, radio-controlled model sailplanes and full-scale man carrying sailplanes. I was surprised to see all of those elements were present during our visit. We had the pleasure in viewing about 20 launches in the 35 minutes we were there. Based on the experience of traffic this day I would have to say that this is a popular place!

Torrey Pines Gliderport Launch in Progress

Take off from the Ocean side cliffs high above the Pacific Ocean

Up, Up and Away at Torrey Pines Gliderport

It takes a brave soul to embark on this adventure, where you can fly high above the ocean blue and get a birds eye view of Torrey Pines Golf Course and stunning La Jolla Mansions. Gliderport offers tandem flights for both paragliding and hang gliding.

Today we witnessed paragliding and for $150 you too can experience the soaring for yourself. Peak times to fly are 12p-3p and you can call ahead for wind conditions. After 10 minutes of paperwork and signing your life away...you know the legal waiver...you are introduced to your pilot for basic ground instruction. It won't be long until you are hopping along the side of the mountain like a kangaroo when suddenly there is nothing but air below your feet and winds taking you further out from the cliff side.

Basic instruction before take-off

For all of the details on flying at Torrey Pines Gliderport you can check out their site here. You might be surprised to see all of the other activities: Paragliding School, Hang Gliding Classes, Rating and Skills Clinics and Paramotor Classes.

The Cliffhanger Cafe

There are so many delicious places to eat in La Jolla, this one tops the list as one of the most unique dining experiences! Offering gourmet sandwiches and soups, with a variety of snacks and drinks. We decided on the special of the day: Tri-Tip Sandwich.

Cliffhanger Cafe Tri-Tip Sandwich

If sandwiches aren't your fancy then you can bring your own picnic lunch or ice cooler. While sitting eating lunch we overheard a parasailer telling his story of a recent experience. When there isn't enough current to bring their landing back up to the top of the cliffs they are forced to pack their sails in their backpacks and hike up. We witnessed both landings and hikers, check it out:

Do you see the yellow and pink sail down there on the right, they have to hike up these cliff sides.

The views are breathtaking, the experience is a one-of-a-kind and the possibilities of this site are endless. If you haven't had the experience of this San Diego Historical Site then make sure to get here soon!

If you like the million dollar homes you see while on your sail experience and would like to purchase a home in La Jolla then contact our Luxe Lifestyle Partner: Luxe | RE.